Athens-Clarke County Drug Crime Lawyers

The State of Georgia takes drug crimes very seriously. As a result, the penalties for the possession, trafficking, or sale of even a small amount of illegal drugs can be treated quite severely. Know that a professional Athens-Clarke County drug lawyer can help individuals better understand the charges being brought against them and to prepare a detailed and thorough defense tailored to their particular circumstances. Read on to learn more about how a skilled narcotics attorney could work to make a difference in your case today.

It is illegal in Georgia to possess any amount of any drug listed in the drug schedules of Georgia law. This includes marijuana and prescription drugs for which someone does not have a valid doctor’s script. Georgia Code 16-13-30 describes how it is not only illegal to possess these drugs, but also to manufacture or sell them. Therefore, while the defense that the drugs were for personal use has no bearing in Georgia courts, it does play a role in one’s potential sentencing. Georgia Code 16-13-30 covers all illegal drugs with the exception of heroin and opiates. With the growing opiate crisis in the country, many states, including Georgia, have chosen to deal with heroin offenses in a more severe way.

Georgia Code 16-13-31 treats the possession of at least four grams of heroin as drug trafficking, carrying a penalty of five years minimum in jail and a fine of $50,000. The laws concerning heroin are in line with the laws concerning trafficking of all illegal drugs in Georgia. For example, the possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine is considered to be trafficking. In short, it is the quantity of the illegal drugs that determines whether someone is charged with illegal possession or trafficking. Know that an experienced Athens-Clarke drug lawyer can work with individuals charged with both possession and trafficking to protect their financial and personal freedoms.

Georgia Code 16-13-30 describes the potential penalties for possession of illegal drugs. The exact penalties are varied but generally correspond to the amount and type of drugs found. Another contributing factor is the intent of the accused. Possessing less than one ounce of a Schedule I narcotic carries a potential sentence of one year in jail. A weathered Athens-Clarke County drug lawyer can work with accused individuals to better understand the nature of their charges.

Georgia Code 16-13-31 is the law describing the potential penalties for drug trafficking. Trafficking is implied as the intent to distribute the drugs on a large-scale due to their large quantity. Sentences always require significant prison time with a minimum of five years in prison for a marijuana charge or up to a minimum of 25 years for over 400 grams of cocaine.

Whether someone is charged with the possession of one ounce of marijuana or trafficking heroin, Athens-Clarke County drug lawyers are here to help. A seasoned Athens-Clarke County drug lawyer can examine a case, dissect the evidence, and formulate a defense to work toward a positive outcome. Every case is unique, and from arraignment to a potential trial, drug attorneys work diligently and conscientiously to protect one’s liberty. Consider retaining representation from a dedicated Athens-Clarke County drug lawyer today.